Disney Gator Attack: Officials ‘Confident’ Guilty Reptile Has Been Caught

Orlando, FL — One week after 2-year-old Lane Graves’ body was pulled out of Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon, wildlife officials say they’re confident the alligator responsible for the attack on the boy has been captured.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday that it has officially suspended all alligator trapping activities at the lagoon, which borders Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort where the toddler and his family were staying.

“The FWC is confident that the alligator responsible for the attack has been removed,” a statement from the agency said. “This conclusion is based on expert analyses and observations by staff with extensive experience in investigating fatal alligator bite incidents.”

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FWC conducted around-the-clocking monitoring and trapping efforts following the June 14 attack on the little boy. During the monitoring, six alligators were removed from the area. Of those alligators, three were in the size range of the alligator suspected in the attack. The agency noted that no alligators of the size necessary to undertake such an attack have been seen or taken since June 16.

The search for Lane began the evening of June 14 after the boy was snatched by an alligator while standing with his feet in the lagoon’s waters.

"The father hears splashing, sees the alligator grabbing his child," Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rose Silva said. The father "struggles with the alligator (and the) alligator pulls the child into the water and they disappeared."

The family was on vacation from Nebraska, Silva said.

Lane’s body was recovered the afternoon of June 15 by sheriff’s office divers.

“There are no words to describe the profound sadness we feel for the family of Lane Graves,” Nick Wiley, FWC’s executive director, said in the statement. “We will continue to keep this family close to our hearts as they deal with the pain and grief of the loss of Lane.”

Wiley stressed that alligator attacks on humans are rare, but do happen.

“FWC works diligently to keep Floridians and our visitors safe and informed on what to do if they spot a potentially dangerous alligator,” the statement said.

People who are concerned about an alligator are encouraged to call the state’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.

Photo courtesy of FWC